Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, has pledged to ban American XL bully dogs following a recent fatal mauling incident. Sunak expressed his shared concern with the nation over these attacks, emphasizing that they cannot be allowed to continue.
The decision to ban American XL bully dogs comes in response to a series of incidents, including a fatal attack in Stonnall, Staffordshire, where a man lost his life after being attacked by two dogs. Notably, an earlier attack in Birmingham left an 11-year-old girl seriously injured.
Additional reports from South Yorkshire Police revealed four separate dog attacks on children, further heightening concerns about these breeds. Amidst these incidents, there is a notable push to address the potential dangers posed by American XL bully dogs.
The Dog Control Coalition, representing various animal charities including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and the Kennel Club, has welcomed the move to ban American XL bully dogs. However, they emphasize that any ban should be based on robust evidence, expressing concerns about the lack of data supporting this decision.
The coalition argues that banning the breed alone may not effectively prevent such incidents from recurring and suggests focusing on root causes such as unscrupulous breeders and irresponsible owners. They call for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding public safety.
In response to the situation, Prime Minister Sunak has tasked ministers with defining the breed associated with these attacks and plans to outlaw it. The American XL bully dog is not currently defined as a breed in law, making this initial step crucial. The ban will ultimately be implemented under the Dangerous Dogs Act, with new laws anticipated to be in place by the end of the year.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman supports the ban, highlighting that American XL Bully dogs pose a threat to life and cause distress in communities. She called for the use of available powers by the police to protect the public.
While there are concerns that the ban may inadvertently affect other types of dogs due to the American XL bully not being officially recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club, the government is committed to addressing this issue swiftly.
In light of these developments, discussions surrounding potential legislative changes to focus on deeds rather than breeds, or even a complete overhaul of existing laws, are gaining traction. The goal is to ensure the safety of the public while avoiding unintended consequences for responsible dog owners and their pets.
